ESCWA and SwedAlex partner to combat violence against women

CAIRO – 26 May 2017: The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) and the Swedish Institute Alexandria (SwedAlex) signed a Letter of Understanding (LoU) to collaborate on a project to estimate the cost of violence against women (VAW) on Tuesday.

The two institutions published a joint press release stating that they will work jointly to estimate the economic cost of violence against women as a means to highlight the implications of this salient phenomenon not only on survivors but also on society as a whole.

Both parties mentioned that they will undertake a series of actions including the launch of two regional studies on VAW in the Arab region to be completed by December 31, 2017. Furthermore, the findings from these studies will inform efforts on policy reform and will contribute to developing an economic model to estimate the cost of VAW in the Arab region. This economic model will be piloted in one Arab country with the aim of it being implemented in all countries in the region.

“The Economic cost of violence against women is not only a major violation of women’s rights, but can hinder nations’ efforts for sustainable development and achieving the 2030 agenda. We are pleased to join all efforts in the region to highlight such a tremendous hurdle to the development policies and institutions,” stated Khawla Mattar, the ESCWA Deputy Executive.

“Violence against women is not only a coward exercise of primitive power and a violation of women’s rights. It is also very costly for society, for health care, loss of production and other related costs. By making these costs visible, we hope to contribute to improved societies,” said Peter Weiderub, the SwedAlex Director.